Charlton administrator: Budget most distressing’

Selectmen learned Tuesday the town’s draft fiscal 2014 budget of $22.5 million is $370,924 in deficit, even after cuts that include the elimination of two public safety positions.

“To me, this budget is the most distressing one we have seen in years and the Finance Committee is working hard to be fair while recommending what will keep the town operating,” Town Administrator Robin L. Craver said.

Ms. Craver said a deficit of less than $400,000 may seem workable, but much has been eliminated to arrive at that amount.

The cuts proposed for the fiscal year that begins July 1 include the 19th police officer recently approved at town meeting and the attrition of one firefighter soon to retire.

Selectman Kathleen W. Walker said she respects the Finance Committee’s work to develop and balance the budget, but took issue with several cuts.

“I have some significant concerns with this budget,” she said. “Eliminating the 19th officer is a real problem for me.”

Ms. Walker also objected to potential cuts to the senior center and town library budgets.

“Overall, the town has done better than most towns mainly because of our finance team, which Ms. Craver is in charge of and the Finance Committee and this select-board,” Ms. Walker said, prefacing an appeal to return the public safety positions to the budget.

The draft spending plan keeps department expenses at current levels with the exception of mandated increases such as insurance costs.

It provides a 2 percent increase for nonunion salaries as well as for police, clerical and highway union employees. It calls for zero salary increases for the firefighters, whose union is currently in negotiations over a new contract.

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District and Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School are funded at the minimum contribution permitted by state statute.

Ms. Craver said the budget is predicated on receiving $388,280 in increased tax revenue, $138,000 in new growth and the same amount of state aid.